The Computer Definition
A computer is an electronic
device that is used for information processing. It accepts data and
instructions, stores it in its memory, processes and gives the results to the
user. The term computer is derived from the Latin word compute which means to
calculate or to manipulate.
Therefore, the computer is a
calculation machine.
Capability Of Computers
A computer is capable of
performing the following tasks:
·
Huge data storage:
A computer can store any amount of data and instruction in its memory. The
computer’s memory is just like a human brain where information is stored and
retrieved from.
·
Input and Output:-
A computer receives the data and instructions from the user and displays it
after the execution.
·
Processing :-
It processes the data entered by the user, Processing means performing the
necessary operations such as arithmetic or logical operations on the data.
History of the development of computers
The history of computers can
be traced back to ancient times. The evolution of computers from the beginning of the Abacus computer to
today’s digital computers is discussed in this section.
This is the first recorded
computer, whose existence dates back to 2500 B.C. It was a rectangular wooden
frame with beads stung on parallel wires. It was invented in China and used by
the Greeks, Romans, and Japanese in early days.
In 1833 , Charles Babbage
developed the Analytical Engine. This machine consisted of five functional
units such as Input unit, Memory unit, Arithmetic unit, Control unit and Output
unit.
The architecture of the
modern digital computer resembles the Analytical engine and hence Charles Babbage
is called the father of Computers.
No comments:
Post a Comment